New South Wales, A Culinary Journey -- Kunal Kapur

Culinary Trip of New South Wales -- Kunal Kapur

I landed in Sydney on the 11th of September and headed straight for my hotel. I can't deny that every time I go to Australia the excitement just keeps bubbling down under (pardon the pun). I soaked in the uniquely Australian countryside as I made my way to the hotel. A short 25 minute drive later I was at the well-appointed Four Seasons hotel at Circular Quay. I checked into my room which offered a splendid view of the harbour which of course I couldn't enjoy for too long as I had to rush to meet Renae Smith, the very talented Master Chef Australia contestant.

I was excited as Renae is a Vegan and promised to take me to a vegetarian restaurant in Sydney. I was charmed to watch a packed restaurant “Ester” signifying that people in this part of the world too are taking up vegetarian food. And I must say I was very pleasantly surprised with the range that a cuisine such as that could offer. Food here was simple and clutter free. Focus was the produce and the highlight of my meal was the grilled cauliflower with almond sauce and toasted almonds. The understated ambience of the restaurant is a testimony to the fact that the food takes precedence over all else here. And I tend to agree.

After a lovely afternoon at Ester restaurant, I proceeded to the Randwick Entertainment Park to visit the much heard of NOX Night Sculpture Walk. The entire stretch was eclectic with illuminated outdoor art, fire dancers and LED Hula Hoopers. Veggie Patch, Mama Linh's, Agape Organics, Tsuru and Happy as Larry, were some of the very popular food trucks and I couldn’t resist them even if I wanted to!

For a chef there are only few things which can beat experiencing (I would say almost sensual) colors, smells and tastes of fresh produce that connects you to the land. The Carriage Works Farmers Market is a place that once had a factory that made railway carriages. The beauty of the place is that the premise is the same, nothing has changed except that every saturday the local farmers bring out their produce and become a culinary destination for New South Wales. Rest of the days of the week the same place is used for presenting art galleries and performances. The best possible way to use an old carriage factory put to the best use. I picked up mushrooms, butter, chocolates, herbs and pasta for a nice barbeque I had planned later through the week.

Grabbed my second breakfast at Bondi beach after spending a couple of hours at the Farmer’s Market. Another good thing about australia is that you can easily self drive around the country. I love driving esp on the lovely stretches of Australian countryside. I thought it would be best to rent a SUV and drive to Hunter Valley on my own. A leisurely 3 hour drive allowed me to soak in the scenic view with sun streaming through the window. Now Hunter valley is the oldest wine growing region in Australia. It is also renowned for its fine dining, cooking schools, galleries etc., so I had lots to look forward to, for the next day. I checked myself into the elegant Peppers Guest House for a good night sleep.

Next morning started early because I was to fly in a hot air balloon, from the middle of vineyards. The silence took hold of me as I breathed and watched the beauty of the world go by as we floated 6,000 Ft high over the valley. Was I sheer lucky to have been on the balloon with our pilot, Nik, the current hot air ballooning world champion.

Once we touched ground we headed of a champagne breakfast at the adjoining vineyard. Post my breakfast I drove deep into hunter valley for wine tasting at Audrey Wilkinson Vineyards. If you would have heard of an old German saying, “Wo der Wein wächst, da lass dich nieder” (where the wine grows, you want to take up residence). Well, it was a true validation of that. The vineyard was generous enough to pack me a picnic basket with the choicest of wines, cheese and sandwiches. For the rest of the afternoon I enjoyed the Spring summer in the Hunter Valley reading my favourite cook, overlooking the green pastures. I had the pleasure of tasting some gorgeous bespoke olive oil, wines and cheeses that I also ended up buying for my friends and family.

A trip in a picturesque place like this with the perfect weather is incomplete without a barbeque. So later in the evening I spent time filming and dishing out some awesome Indian grills at my Peppers house. I had bought some great produce from the farmers market and invited few friends and my crew over to cook for them Indian grills with Australian produce. Needless to say it was one of the best time of bonding over cooking food and wine.

I have heard from many travelers that Blue Mountains is a must do when visiting Australia. A 2 hour drive is all it for me to get there. After checking in to the spectacular Hydro Majestic Hotel, Blue Mountains overlooking the stunning Meglaong Valley, I settled down for high tea at The Wintergarden. This hotel is more than 100 years old and the service is very warm and offers best look out scenic views to take away all your stress.  There are so many pretty attractions in terms of National Parks, waterfalls, mountain views, kangaroo watching and breathtaking lookout points, however, I decided to take it easy. I walked through a lovely picture-postcard village called Leura, which is home to the tea shops, cakes shops, cafes, eateries, antique and book stores. The next morning I went deep into the blue mountains to have breakfast with the kangaroos. It is an exception breakfast for which one has to drive with a local guide who explains the history of the place which is a World Heritage Sight. It is a magical place straight out of a fairy tale book. Closely watched kangaroos and other wild life and in the middle of the woods we laid out our breakfast.

Next was to drive back to sydney for Lunch that was nothing short of magic. Well the ride to the Restaurant was really fancy as I Buckled up on a seaplane from the Rose Wharf and flew along the Northern Beaches before touch down in the Pittwater waterway and then transported to Jonah’s restaurant. It’s perched high on the edge of a cliff overlooking the waters of Whale Beach. I had a bit of an interaction with Jonah's chef, Alfonso Alés who has worked at Spain's El Bulli and Bilson's here in Sydney. His style of cuisine is Modern Australian with influences of his Spanish upbringing. I had a very refreshing champagne cocktail at the Johnas and the food was an experience of flavours and textures. The highlight for me was the fish course, fresh and carefully paired with interested accompaniments. 

This was my last night in Australia and Sydney night life is what i was heading toward. The sydney showboat has performers that just power you up with energy that flows through the evening. The performances were eclectic and an addition to many wonderful memories I take back with me. A very warm thank you to Cox & Kings and the Tourism of New South Wales for making this one of the best trips I have had in a very long time.